The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword
by Dewey Conway and Bill Adams
Galdifort Quillpen has grand dreams of writing epic tales of heroic deeds, just like his famous aunt. Unfortunately, he’s been assigned to Tanna the Tendersword, an excruciatingly carefree would-be-champion who can’t seem to find a qualifying entry-level quest.
When things are at their most miserable, the young Questers meet an enigmatic old woman who offers Tanna a quest: follow a peg-legged, sword-wielding rooster to help save a crying mushroom lost within a haunted forest. Tanna heroically accepts, regardless of how incredibly unsafe the odd quest seems.
But Galdifort’s fears become reality when a sorceress sends her fog monster and lizard henchmen after them. Only a true Champion should confront a sorceress, and, in his eyes, Tanna is not up to the task. But if he wants to write his chronicle, Galdifort must learn to do something he certainly isn’t comfortable doing — trust in honest friendship with Tanna the Tendersword.
He’s just a chronicler, after all, not a hero!
SPFBOX – Our Reviews
John Mauro
What a fun book! The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword by Dewey Conway and Bill Adams is delightful in every way, an ideal fantasy book for middle-grade readers that also provides plenty of enjoyment for older fantasy fans.
The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword is packed with humor and witty word play, delivering several laugh out loud moments for this delighted reader. The characters, led by the tenacious Tanna and her more timid chronicler-in-training, are an absolute blast. The plot is fast-paced and engaging throughout. And this wonderful story is enhanced by its fun interior artwork.
If you are looking for the next great middle-grade fantasy, look no further. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword today. (Or maybe two copies: one for your kids and one just for you!)
SPFBO Score: 8 out of possible 10.
Tori Tecken
This book represents a much-needed subset of indie fantasy and I am thrilled to say that The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword raises the middle grade fantasy flag high! Authors Dewey Conway and Bill Adams weave an adventurous romp for our protagonist Tanna and her curmudgeonly chronicler Galdifort. While this story draws on bits and pieces of great gateways into the fantasy genre, it brings its own fresh take on the quest for heroism.
Charging through the pages at the forefront is Tanna, a young girl who is determined to bravely fulfill her quests and rise through the ranks of professional heroes. Her equally young counterpart Galdifort has a more cautious take on their travels as he writes the tale of Tanna’s exploits in his record. They are joined by many characters along the way, some human, some not, and the authors play with elemental magic in a fun and interesting way throughout.
At the heart of the story is the core message of friendship and finding ways to respect someone who is very different than yourself, which is something I think is incredibly relevant not just for this book’s target audience, but for the wider readership as well. It sets an example of working through differences, finding your bravery, and staying true to the hero’s journey. I think it’s a well-written and fun tale, and carries the torch forward for more middle grade indie fantasy to follow.
